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Abstract:

A backboard immobilization device includes a first section having a
plurality of interconnected panels and a second section having a like
plurality of interconnected panels. A coupling assembly releasably
couples the first section to the second section. The coupling assembly
comprises a male insert having a plurality of ratchet teeth. The male
insert is coupled to the first section. A female coupler has a pawl for
releasable engagement with the plurality of ratchet teeth. The female
coupler is coupled to the second section. An assembly including the
backboard immobilization device and an inflatable air bladder assembly is
also disclosed.

Claims:

1. A backboard immobilization device comprising: a first section having a
plurality of first interconnected panels; a second section having a like
plurality of second interconnected panels; a coupling assembly for
releasably coupling the first section to the second section, the coupling
assembly comprising: a male insert having a plurality of ratchet teeth,
the male insert being coupled to the first section; and a female coupler
having a pawl for releasable engagement with the plurality of ratchet
teeth, the female coupler being coupled to the second section.

2. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of the plurality of interconnected panels comprises top
surface, the top surface having a plurality of depressed portions formed
therein.

3. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 2, further
comprising an air bladder inserted into each of the depressed portions.

4. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 3, further
comprising a pump in fluid communication with each of the air bladders.

5. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 1, further
comprising a first plurality of air bladders disposed on the first
section and a second plurality of air bladders disposed on the second
section.

6. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 5, further
comprising a pump in fluid communication with each of the first and
second plurality of air bladders.

7. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 6, wherein the
pump alternates fluid communication between the first plurality of air
bladders and the second plurality of air bladders.

8. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 1, wherein the
male insert is hingedly coupled to the first section.

10. The backboard immobilization device according to claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of interconnected panels comprises a tapered inner
portion and a generally curved outer portion.

11. A backboard immobilization assembly comprising: a backboard
including: a first section; a second section; a coupling assembly for
releasably coupling the first section to the second section, the coupling
assembly comprising: a male insert having a plurality of ratchet teeth;
and a female coupler having a pawl for releasable engagement with the
plurality of ratchet teeth; and an air bladder assembly including: a
first plurality of air bladders disposed within the first section; a
second plurality of air bladders disposed within the second section; a
pump operatively coupled to and in fluid communication with the first and
second plurality of bladders to pump a fluid into each of the first and
second plurality of bladders.

12. The backboard immobilization assembly according to claim 11, wherein
the pump is operable to sequentially pump a fluid into each of the first
and second plurality of bladders.

13. The backboard immobilization assembly according to claim 11, wherein
each of the first and second plurality of air bladders each includes a
separate supply line in fluid communication with the pump.

14. The backboard immobilization assembly according to claim 12, wherein
the pump alternates fluid communication between the first plurality of
air bladders and the second plurality of air bladders.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/039,216, which was filed on Mar. 25, 2008,
and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to backboard immobilization devices.
In particular, the present invention relates to backboard immobilization
devices having complementary telescoping body support panels that may be
releasably coupled together underneath a patient in order to stabilize
and transport the patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Emergency medical personnel have found it to be desirable to
immobilize a patient before removing the patient from the scene of an
accident without having to lift, twist, turn, or roll the patient onto
the immobilization device. Split stretchers have been found to be
suitable for accomplishing such a task.

[0004] Conventional split stretchers, however, incorporate cumbersome
locking mechanisms. Additionally, conventional split stretchers are
typically provided having a predetermined length, which may be cumbersome
in certain situations. Further, conventional stretchers are inappropriate
for certain military uses, such as for special forces operations, which
require compact, lightweight equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Briefly, the present application provides a backboard
immobilization device comprising a first section having a plurality of
interconnected panels and a second section having a like plurality of
interconnected panels. A coupling assembly releasably couples the first
section to the second section. The coupling assembly comprises a male
insert having a plurality of ratchet teeth and a female coupler having a
pawl for releasable engagement with the plurality of ratchet teeth.

[0006] The present invention also provides a backboard immobilization
assembly comprising a backboard including a first section, a second
section, and a coupling assembly for releasably coupling the first
section to the second section. The coupling assembly comprises a male
insert having a plurality of ratchet teeth and a female coupler having a
pawl for releasable engagement with the plurality of ratchet teeth. An
air bladder assembly includes a first plurality of air bladders disposed
within the first section and a second plurality of air bladders disposed
within the second section. A pump is operatively coupled to and in fluid
communication with the first and second plurality of bladders to pump a
fluid into each of the first and second plurality of bladders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of
preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when
read in conjunction with the appending drawings, which are incorporated
herein and constitute part of this specification. For the purposes of
illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however,
that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are
employed for designating the same elements through out the several
figures. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backboard immobilization device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the backboard immobilization device
shown in FIG. 1;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the backboard immobilization device
of FIG. 2, with separated sections;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backboard immobilization device
of FIG. 2, partially assembled;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a torso panel of the backboard
immobilization device of FIG. 4;

[0013]FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a panel locking mechanism
used to secure adjacent panels of the backboard immobilization device,
taken along circle 6 of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 7 is sectional view of the panel locking mechanism taken along
lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a panel coupling mechanism for
coupling each of the panels of the backboard immobilization device of 1
to each other;

[0016]FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a coupling insert of the coupling
mechanism of FIG. 8;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of an optional air bladder system
for use with the backboard immobilization device of FIGS. 1-9, with an
air manifold configured to inflate a set of air bladders;

[0018]FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the air manifold illustrated in FIG.
10, with the air manifold configured to inflate a different set of
bladders;

[0019]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an immobilization device according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the immobilization device of FIG.
12, taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not
to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology
includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words
of similar import. The following describes an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. It should be understood based on this disclosure, however,
that the invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiments of the
invention.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention provides a backboard immobilization device 100 that is
configured to be slid underneath a patient who is in a prone position.
Immobilization device 100 is provided in a first section 102 and a second
section 104 that are initially separated, as shown in FIG. 3. Each of
first and second sections 102, 104 may be slid underneath the patient
from a separate side of the patient and then connected together
underneath the patient to form a unitary immobilization device 100. FIG.
4 illustrates the connection of first section 102 with second section
104. Once assembled, immobilization device 100, with the patient (not
shown) lying on top, may then be transported to a location for further
treatment.

[0023] Each of first and second sections 102, 104 includes a plurality of
collapsible panels. Collapsible panels may include one or more possible
arrangements of overlapping panels that slidably adjust relative to one
another. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, first and second sections 102, 104
include telescoping panels. First section 102 includes a head panel 112,
a torso panel 114, and a leg panel 116. Leg panel 116 is telescopically
inserted within torso panel 114, with torso panel 114 being
telescopically inserted within head panel 112. Similarly, second section
104 includes a head panel 122, a torso panel 124, and a leg panel 126.
Leg panel 126 is telescopically inserted within torso panel 124, with
torso panel being telescopically inserted within head panel 122. While
three panels in each of first and second sections 102, 104 are shown,
those skilled in the art will recognize that first and second sections
102, 104 may each incorporate more or less than three panels. Moreover,
the sections need not be telescoping as shown, and instead may be
interconnected by other overlapping arrangements.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5, a sectional view of second section 104, taken
through torso panel 124, is shown. Head panel 122 is a hollow member
having a tapered inner portion 130 and a generally curved outer portion
132. Curved outer portion 132 also serves as a side protection to
restrict movement of the patient while on immobilization device 100.

[0025] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 4, each of head panels 112, 122 also
includes a plurality depressed portions 134 on a top surface 136 of
respective head panel 112, 122. Depressed portions 134 each accommodate
an inflatable air bladder (shown in FIG. 10) that may be inflated and/or
deflated to support the patient. While depressed portions 134 are shown
only with respect to head portions 112, 122, those skilled in the art
will recognize that depressed portions may also be formed in torso panels
114, 124 and leg panels 116, 126.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, head panel 122 includes a
plurality of generally vertical stanchions 150 that are spaced along the
length of head panel 122 on curved outer portion 134. Stanchions 150
support a generally horizontal handle portion 152. Handle portion 152 is
used to lift immobilization device 100. Handle portion 152 is hollow and,
as shown in FIG. 5, telescopically receives handle portion 154. As shown
in FIG. 1, handle portion 154 is coupled to torso panel 124 via a
stanchion 156. Handle portion 154 is also hollow and telescopically
receives a handle portion 158 that is coupled to leg panel 126 via a
stanchion 160.

[0027] Stanchions 150, 156, 160 are sized and shaped to enable standard
immobilization strap systems (not shown) to be removably attached
thereto. Stanchions 150, 156, 160 may each include a single support, as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or alternatively, may each include a plurality of
supports, as shown in FIG. 1. Immobilization strap systems include straps
that are secured between each stanchion 150, 156, 160 and a corresponding
stanchion 150, 156, 160 on first section 102.

[0028] After panels 112, 114, 116, 122, 124, 126 are extended, they are
locked in place relative to each other to restrict them from further
extending or retracting on their own. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, leg
panel 116 is shown extended from torso panel 114 by sliding leg panel 116
along arrow "A" with respect to torso panel 114. A locking mechanism 170
is used to lock leg panel 116 relative to torso panel 114.

[0029] Locking mechanism 170 includes a plurality of slots 172 formed in
leg panel 116. A tab 174 extends from a free end of torso panel 114. Tab
174 is formed by cutting elongated slots 175 in torso panel 114. Tab 174
includes a tang 176 that extends into one of slots 172 and a lifting lip
178 that may be lifted to bias tang 176 out of slot 172 so that leg panel
116 may be extended or retracted relative to torso panel 114. When
lifting lip 178 is released, tang 176 slides into slot 172, precluding
movement of leg panel 116 with respect to torso panel 114. In an
exemplary embodiment, adjacent slots 172 are spaced at one inch
increments from each other along leg panel 116. While five slots 172 are
shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than
five slots 172 may be used. Indicia 179, such as numbers representing
dimensions, will enable personnel using immobilization device 100 to
extend leg panels 116, 126 an equivalent distance from their respective
torso panels 114, 124.

[0030] Similarly, although not shown, locking mechanism 170 may also be
used to restrict torso panel 114 from extending or retracting on its own
relative to head panel 112. While locking mechanism 170 used with leg
panel 116 and torso panel 114 includes a plurality of slots 172, in an
exemplary embodiment, locking mechanism 170 used with torso panel 114 and
head panel 112 uses only a single slot 172, so that torso panel 114 is
extended a preset distance from head panel 112. With this arrangement,
immobilization device 100 may be extended a distance sufficient to fully
support a patient by adjusting the extension of torso panels 114, 124
from their respective leg panels 116, 126 and/or head panels 112, 122.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a coupling assembly 180 that is
used to couple first section 102 to second section 104 is shown. While
coupling assembly 180 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as associated with leg
panels 116, 126, a second coupling assembly 180, shown in FIG. 1, is also
associated with head panels 112, 122.

[0032] Coupling assembly 180 includes an elongated male insert 182 that is
adapted to be inserted into and coupled with a female coupler 184
disposed on an end of leg panel 126 that is disposed away from torso
panel 124. Insert 182 is hingedly coupled to coupling assembly via a
hinge 186 having a vertical axis such that insert 182 pivots about hinge
186 along a horizontal plane generally parallel to the planar orientation
of the panels. In an exemplary embodiment, insert 182 has a generally
"cross-shaped" cross section, with a vertical prong 188 including a
plurality of ratchet teeth 190.

[0033] Female coupler 184 includes a tab 192 that engages ratchet teeth
190 when insert 182 is inserted into female coupler 184. Tab 192 includes
a pawl 194 (shown in FIG. 5) that rides over ratchet teeth 190 as insert
182 is inserted into female coupler 184. Tab 192 is ordinarily biased
downwardly into engagement with ratchet teeth 190 to prevent insert 182
from being withdrawn from female coupler 184. Tab 192 may be flexed
upwardly to remove pawl 194 from ratchet teeth 190 and allow insert 182
to be withdrawn from coupler 184.

[0034] While inserts 182 are shown in the Figures (particularly FIG. 3) as
being fixed to first section 102, those skilled in the art will recognize
that one or both inserts 182 may alternatively be fixed to second section
104.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 10, an inflatable bladder assembly 200 is
shown. Bladder assembly 200 includes a first set of bladders 202 that may
be releasably inserted into depressed portions 134 in head portion 112
and a second set of bladders 202' that are releasably inserted into
depressed portions 134 in head portion 122. Bladder assembly 200 is used
to systematically raise and lower different parts of the patient's body
relative to immobilization device 100 to simulate the rhythm of sleep and
to reduce necrosis of the patient as a result of immobility resulting
from patient's injury and/or securement to immobilization device 100.
While two bladders are illustrated with each set of bladders 202, 202',
those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than two
bladders may be used with each set of bladders 202, 202'. By way of
example only, three bladders may be used, with a bladder located under
the patient's shoulder blade, a bladder located under the patient's
buttocks, and a bladder located under the patient's calf/ankle.

[0036] Each set of bladders 202, 202' is in fluid communication with
assembly 210 via a dedicated fluid supply line, such as, for example, an
air supply line 212. A coupling 214 proximate to each set of bladders
202, 202' releasably couples each set of bladders 202, 202' to its
respective air supply line 212, while a coupling 216 proximate to pump
assembly 210 releasably couples each air supply line 212 to pump assembly
210.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, pump assembly 210 includes its own
power source, represented by a battery 211 in FIG. 10. A battery strength
indicator 218 and a "Low Battery Power" audio/visual alarm 219 provide a
user with an indication of battery condition. An AC connection 220 and a
DC connection 222 provide for external power connections to pump assembly
210.

[0038] Pump assembly 210 includes a pump 213 that sequentially pumps air
into each set of bladders 202, 202' to sequentially lift and lower
patient relative to immobilization device 100. Pump assembly 210 also
includes a sensor 215 that senses an obstruction in any air supply line
212 to a set of bladders 202, 202', and transmits a signal to an
audio/visual alarm 230 to alert the user to the obstruction.

[0039] Each set of bladders 202, 202' is in fluid communication with a
relief valve 240, 240', respectively, that releases air from within its
respective set of bladders 202, 202' upon air pressure within the bladder
exceeding a predetermined value. Relief valves 240, 240' are coupled to a
manifold 244 that is fluidly located between pump 213 and bladders 202,
202'. Manifold 244 may include a sliding valve 246 that operates between
the position in FIG. 10, which directs air from pump 213 to bladders 202,
and the position in FIG. 11, which directs air from pump 213 to bladders
202'. Sliding valve 246 may be air actuated, such as by air released from
valves 240, 240'. Alternatively, sliding valve 246 may be electrically
actuated in response to an electrical signal generated at valves 240,
240' when valves 240, 240' are releasing air from their respective sets
of bladders 202, 202'. If sliding valve 246 incorporates air that is
released from the sets of bladders 202, 202', manifold 244 may also
incorporate exhaust ports 248 (shown in FIG. 11), that exhaust the air
from manifold 244.

[0040] The components of immobilization device 100 may be constructed from
a non-metallic radiograph transparent material such as, for example,
carbon fiber or Kevlar®. Alternatively, immobilization device 100 may
be constructed from other materials.

[0041] In a compressed state, with torso panel 114 fully inserted into
head panel 112 and with leg panel 116 fully inserted into torso panel
114, first section 102 of immobilization device 100 has an exemplary
length of between about 96.5 cm (about 38 inches) and about 106.7 cm
(about 42 inches) and a preferred width of between about 20.3 cm (about 8
inches) and about 22.9 cm (about 9 inches). In a fully extended and
assembled state, immobilization device 100 has a preferred length of
between about 165.1 cm (about 65 inches) and about 213.4 cm (about 84
inches) and a preferred width of between about 38.1 cm (about 15 inches)
and about 45.7 cm (about 18 inches). Excluding bladder assembly 200,
immobilization device 100 preferably weighs between about 4.1 kilograms
(about 9 pounds) and about 7.3 kilograms (about 16 pounds).

[0042] Immobilization device 100 may be stored with first section 102
separate from second section 104. First and second sections 102, 104 may
be stored in a compressed state, with leg panels 116, 126 disposed within
their respective torso panels 114, 124, and with torso panels 114, 124
disposed within their respective head panels 112, 122.

[0043] In use, first section 102 is disposed on one side of the patient,
and second section 104 is disposed on the opposite side of the patient.
Torso panels 114, 124 are fully extended from there respective head
panels 112, 122. Leg panels 116, 126 are next extended from their
respective torso panels 114, 124 a distance commensurate with the height
of the patient. In an exemplary embodiment, leg panels 116, 126 are
extended only far enough from their respective torso panels 114, 124 to
enable the patient to be fully contained within immobilization device
100.

[0044] Head panels 112, 122 are first coupled together by engaging
coupling assembly 180 in a direction shown by arrow "B" in FIG. 4. Pawl
194 has a tapered projection that rides over ratchet teeth 190 to allow
insert 182 to be slid into female coupling 184 without having to lift tab
192.

[0045] With patient being scooped by immobilization device 100, leg panels
116, 126 are then coupled together by engaging coupling assembly 180 in a
direction shown by arrow "C" in FIG. 4. Hinges 186 on each of coupling
assemblies 180 allow first section 102 to pivot with respect to second
section 104 after head panels 112, 122 are coupled together, and to allow
leg panels 116, 126 to be coupled together. That is, inserts 182 are each
pivotable with respect to their associated panels so as to align with the
corresponding female coupler 184 during connection of first and second
sections 102, 104.

[0046] After the patient is placed on immobilization device 100, the
patient will be strapped to immobilization device 100 using any of a
number of commercially available immobilization strap systems (not
shown). Air supply lines 212 from each set of bladders 202, 202' are
connected to pump assembly 210 via couplings 216. Pump assembly 210 may
be started to alternately inflate each of bladders 202, 202' on head
panels 112, 122. Pump assembly 210 may be placed on immobilization device
100 proximate to the patient's feet for transport.

[0047] An exemplary operation of air bladder assembly 200 will now be
described. Pump 213 pumps air into manifold 244. When sliding valve 246
is positioned within manifold 244 in the position illustrated in FIG. 10,
air from pump 213 flows through manifold 244 to inflate set of bladders
202. Bladders 202 lift one side of the patient upward from immobilization
device 100.

[0048] When the pressure within set of bladders 202 exceeds a
predetermined value, excess air pressure is relieved from bladders 202
via relief valve 240, which directs air to slide valve 246, moving
sliding valve 246 from the position shown in FIG. 10 to the position
shown in FIG. 11. Relief of the air pressure from set of bladders 202
also lowers the patient onto immobilization device 100.

[0049] In the position shown in FIG. 11, air from pump 213 flows through
manifold 244 and inflates set of bladders 202', lifting the other side of
the patient from immobilization device 100. When the pressure within set
of bladders 202' exceeds a predetermined value, excess air pressure is
relieved from bladders 202' via relief valve 240', which directs air to
slide valve 246, moving sliding valve 246 from the position seen in FIG.
11 back to the position seen in FIG. 10, and the above-described process
is repeated as long as pump 213 operates. Relief of the air pressure from
set of bladders 202' also lowers the patient onto immobilization device
100.

[0050] After use, immobilization device 100 may be disassembled for
storage by removing bladder assembly 200 from immobilization device 100.
First section 102 may be separated from second section 104 by lifting tab
192 and withdrawing insert 182 from female coupling 184 at each of head
panels 112, 122 and leg panels 116, 126.

[0052] An alternative embodiment of an immobilization device 300 according
to an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
Immobilization device 300 includes first and second sections 302, 304,
respectively. First and second sections 302, 304 include extensions 306,
308 that mate to accommodate the patient's head. Extension 306 include a
tongue 310 that is inserted into a groove 312 in extension 308. This
tongue-and-groove mating arrangement provides additional strength to
immobilization device 300. Similarly, a tongue-and-groove mating
arrangement may be incorporated into leg panels 316, 326, as well.

[0053] Coupling assembly 180 (illustrated in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9) may be
used to releasably secure first and second sections 302, 304 to each
other. Each of extension 306, 308 may include a cutout portion 320, 322,
respectively, that forms a depression for receiving the patient's head
when first and second sections 302, 304 are coupled to each other.

[0054] Optionally, instead of the stanchions 150, 152, 160 described above
that are used to support handle portions 152, 154, 158, handhold cutouts
324 may be formed around the outer perimeter of each of first and second
sections 302, 304 to enable medical/rescue personnel to grip and lift
immobilization device 300.

[0055] Although not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, air bladder assembly 200 may
be used with immobilization device 300.

[0056] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with
reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be
limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made
in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims
and without departing from the invention.